HYDERABAD: Reiterating that the Union government was committed to ending Naxalism by March 31, 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday urged Maoists to surrender and join the mainstream. He categorically stated that the Centre would not hold talks with those who continue to bear arms.
“Our policy is no talks with those who have arms in their hands. Give up arms and surrender. If you do not surrender, we have decided to end Naxalism by March 31, 2026. Should we not end the Naxalites who have killed adivasis and police personnel?” Shah said.
Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the National Turmeric Board headquarters in Nizamabad, the Union home minister said that while he “feared that the Congress might provide shelter to Maoists, there was no cause for concern as Narendra Modi was in power at the Centre”.
“The Congress is asking for talks with Maoists. Our government’s policy is clear — no talks with those who hold weapons. Surrender and join the mainstream,” he said.
Shah noted that in the Northeast, 10,000 individuals had surrendered and joined the mainstream, with some contesting elections at district and Assembly levels. “In the last one-and-a-half years, around 2,000 Maoists surrendered,” he added.
“From Telangana’s soil, I want to ask those who speak of protecting Naxals: What answer will you give to the families of police personnel and adivasis who lost their lives in Naxal violence? Naxals have obstructed development in adivasi areas for decades. What is your answer?” he asked.
Shah accused the BRS of indulging in massive corruption during its 10-year rule. He alleged irregularities in Dharani, Kaleshwaram, Singareni and other projects, and questioned whether Chief Minister
A Revanth Reddy initiated even one case against those involved.
Shah claimed that the family of former chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao used Telangana as an “ATM” and alleged that the state has now become an “ATM for the Delhi Congress”.
Terrorists could attack and escape during UPA rule, claims Shah
“There is no difference between Congress and BRS. Corruption continues as it did under BRS rule, while central schemes are being stalled. Only a double-engine government can ensure development of all sections of society,” the Union Home minister stated.
Shah referred to Operation Sindoor, stating that during 10 years of United Progressive Alliance (UPA) rule, Pakistani terrorists attacked and escaped. He said Pakistan planned major attacks at Uri, Pulwama and Pahalgam. “After Uri, our forces carried out surgical strikes. After Pulwama, air strikes were conducted. After Pahalgam, our forces entered Pakistan and launched attacks. Prime Minister Modi made it clear that Pakistan would be taught a lesson. When Pakistan threatened with an atom bomb, Congress believed nothing would happen. But in one night, our forces destroyed the terrorist headquarters,” he stated.
Shah criticised Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of questioning Operation Sindoor. “Rahul baba, what are you asking? Look at the state Pakistan is in today to understand the operation’s effectiveness,” he said.
Stating that the establishment of the Turmeric Board in Nizamabad fulfilled a four-decade-old demand, Shah added that this would help turmeric reach international markets. “The Centre plans to set up branches of Bharat Export Cooperative Limited and Bharat Organic in Nizamabad to support packaging, marketing and export. Farmers would be able to export turmeric to the USA, Europe, Canada, the UK, Vietnam and Switzerland,” he said.
Union Minister G Kishan Reddy, Minister of State Bandi Sanjay, state ministers Thummala Nageswara Rao and Danasari Anasuya, and BJP MPs Eatala Rajender and Dharmapuri Arvind were present.